Videos

What Does Health Reform Do for People on Medicare? (3:04)

The new health reform law benefits people on Medicare in a number of ways. This three-minute video explains some of the ways, such as ending out-of-pocket expenses for recommended screenings, checkups and other preventive services. Featuring John Rother, president of the National Coalition on Health Care. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

On Wednesday, September 10 2014, the Alliance for Health Reform hosted a dinner to honor Senator Jay Rockefeller’s contributions to health policy. Also at the dinner, the Alliance announced that Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland will become honorary co-chairman of the Alliance when Senator Rockefeller retires from Congress at the end of 2014. Please watch the video to view remarks on Senator Rockefeller’s contributions by distinguished health policy leaders.

Richard Onizuka, chief executive officer, Washington Health Benefit Exchange, discusses Washington's health insurance marketplace enrollment in 2014 and what they were able to learn for the impending second round.

A new Alliance for Health Reform video features Princeton’s Uwe Reinhardt questioning whether bundling payments for medical services might actually lead to higher – not lower – costs.“The ACO’s, the accountable care organizations, could create local monopolies that could dictate to you what that bundled price would be, and some of us fear that bundled prices might be even more than what the fee-for-service for that bundle would be today. … You really should align all the payers and say, ‘Let us jointly negotiate with the ACOs what those bundles should be so that they cannot divide and rule and sort of make us on the buy side weak.’” FULL TRANSCRIPT

A new Alliance for Health Reform video features former Medicare and Medicaid administrator Mark McClellan arguing that throwing spaghetti against the wall to "see what sticks" isn't the best way to lower costs while improving quality. "We need to do a better job of measuring what we want health care to really produce, and many health care providers now, especially [now] that they're working together, tracking how their patients are doing, how they're managing chronic diseases, how they're preventing complications, how they're reducing the risk of high-risk patients for complications, they're producing data that can be used for those measures. So let's move towards payments based on that. It's also important to engage patients. We saw this in Medicare Part D, where beneficiaries had a chance to save, if they chose a less costly plan, if they chose drugs that were less expensive but met their needs, like generics, and we've seen Part D costs go way down over time. That's the power of engaging patients." FULL TRANSCRIPT

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH), also referred to as the primary care medical home, is a model that aims to transform the organization and delivery of primary care. Why are we investing in testing the patient-centered medical home model? What does current evidence say about the impact of PCMH models? Can these models generate savings for the health care system down the road? Do primary care practices have the capacity and time to develop these models? What resources are necessary to ensure a functioning PCMH? What is the status of the demonstration projects run under CMMI? What are some successes and challenges that active PCMHs have encountered? How else does the ACA provide support for patient-centered medical homes? A distinguished panel of experts addressed these and related questions.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) calls for increased consumer involvement in health care decision-making. Transparency in price and quality as a tool for consumer engagement is a critical component of that process. One does not buy food, clothing or housing without comparison shopping. Yet in health care, equally important and typically a large part of the family budget, consumers have not had the tools to compare prices and quality of the product they are buying. The data are spotty and the little data that are available are not consumer friendly. What tools are needed to compare price? Quality? What does the ACA require with regard to transparency? Will consumers have the information they need to compare products on state-based insurance exchanges? Are the data available? In a consumer friendly format? What kinds of information in addition to price do consumers need to make choices between various treatment options or to choose a care provider?

A new Alliance for Health Reform video features Douglas Holtz-Eakin of the American Action Forum, and a former director of the Congressional Budget Office, arguing that recent slower spending in health care won’t continue.FULL TRANSCRIPT

A new Alliance for Health Reform video features Sister Carol Keehan of the Catholic Health Association of the United States addressing the challenges of quickly enrolling millions of Americans for health insurance this fall. Open season begins October 1 of this year, yet she says that up to 85 percent of those who will be newly eligible for Medicaid or for subsidies to buy private insurance in state-based exchanges don't know it.FULL TRANSCRIPT

Jonathan Blum, acting principal deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), addresses the slower growth of Medicare spending over the last few years, and what his agency is doing to try and continue the trend. “There are promising signs that this strategy to change the payment system, to change the payment models, to focus on waste and abuse, is paying off," he said. "We are taking a whole new approach to addressing fraud in the program. Much more data resources, much more on the ground reaction. We have seen dramatic spending declines in areas of spending, such as home health and durable medical supplies that historically fueled lots of the fraud.” FULL TRANSCRIPT

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has the potential to greatly increase the number of insured people and change how health care services are delivered. What the additional coverage will mean regarding access to providers, who those providers will be and what services they will deliver are issues that affect all segments of the health care workforce.

Proposals to fix the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) abound and there is agreement that policy makers must take action, but the question of how to reach a permanent solution remains. The SGR originated as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to control federal Medicare spending. Congress began overriding the SGR in 2002 and has continued to delay scheduled physician reimbursement cuts ever since. Medicare physician payments were maintained at their current rates in 2012 as a result of The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Most recently, Congress extended payment rates until January 2014 as part of the “fiscal cliff” negotiations.

Health care experts recently kicked off a series of briefings for reporters addressing complex issues that states face leading up to major 2014 health law changes. Illinois will have a federal partnership insurance exchange next year, but may take more control after that, Deputy Gov. Cristal Thomas said at the first briefing in Chicago. Georgetown University insurance expert Sabrina Corlette, hospital leader David DiLoreto and journalist Bruce Japsen also spoke at the briefing, held Dec. 12 at Columbia College, and sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

As states calculate the wisdom of expanding their Medicaid programs in 2014 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – or opting not to, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s John Lumpkin points to potential political, financial and human implications. Opting out, he says, “will create fiscal challenges, it will create operational challenges. Hospitals and physicians in each one of those states are still going to see patients who don’t have insurance. Who’s going to pay for those costs? They’re going to be asking their state governments to help.” John Lumpkin is senior vice president and director of the health care group at RWJF and formerly head of the Department of Public Health in Illinois.

Much of what influences our health happens outside of the doctor’s office—in our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. What if we had a way to figure out, county by county, how to identify these non-clinical influences and improve them to create healthier places to live, learn work and play? We do, thanks to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program. In this video, Michelle Larkin of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation explains how local leaders can use the rankings. The foundation supports both the rankings program and the production of these videos.

Researchers in the past have noted sometimes surprising variations in the type of care people receive within a state or region. The Commonwealth Fund has taken this sort of analysis a step farther. A fund report shows local variation in access to care, cost of care and lifespan, as well as type of care. In this video, Cathy Schoen of the fund describes some of the the market-by-market differences and how to use the information for local change. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The Census Bureau announced Sept. 12 that the number of people without health insurance dropped in 2011, and the agency is set to release a second report Sept. 20 detailing insurance coverage at the local level. Leading uninsured experts explain demographic and geographic trends in insurance coverage.

Although opinions about the health reform law as a whole remain divided, support is growing for specific provisions of the bill, says Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll. For instance, almost two out of three respondents in a March 2012 poll said they would not want to repeal the requirement in the law that prevents insurers from denying coverage to people because they are sick, or have been sick. In this short video, Mr. Taylor outlines growing support for other provisions as well. Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

About one out of every five dollars in U.S. health spending goes for Medicare, making the program a popular target for federal budget cutters. What options does the public favor for reducing the Medicare spending growth rate? In this video, Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll, explains that there’s little support for choices that actually affect people’s pocketbooks. Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Many of the key decisions implementing the health reform law are left to the states. For example, states have a lot of leeway in how they set up health insurance exchanges, where individuals and small business will be able to buy coverage starting in 2014. This webinar offered an update on what's happening in the states with implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and what lies ahead. Cosponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Association of Health Care Journalists.

The health care overhaul law passed by Congress in 2010 sets out national goals and requirements. But many of the key decisions implementing the law are left to the states.
In this video, William Custer of Georgia State University in Atlanta offers an update of how Georgia is responding to the law.
From a Dec. 14, 2011 briefing sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The health care overhaul law passed by Congress in 2010 sets out national goals and requirements. But many of the key decisions implementing the law are left to the states.
In this video, Andy Miller, founder of Georgia Health News, offers tips to reporters on how to cover health reform at the state level.
From a Dec. 14, 2011 briefing sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The health care overhaul law passed by Congress in 2010 sets out national goals and requirements. But many of the key decisions implementing the law are left to the states.
This is the question and answer session of a briefing for reporters on state-level reform implementation held in Atlanta Dec. 14, 2011. Sponsors were the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

About 70 percent of Americans over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. This can mean nursing home care. But more commonly, it means help at home with activities such as dressing, cooking and eating.
Many people think Medicare covers long-term services and supports. With limited exceptions, it does not, as this video points out.
Featuring Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, dedicated to helping seniors receive integrated medical treatment and human services in the setting most appropriate to their needs.

Most people think the new health reform law simply increases the number of people with health coverage in the U.S. But it does much more. It also contains a number of provisions to help people get long-term supports and services at home, or if need be, in a nursing home.
This 4 1/2- minute video outlines some of the ways in which the Affordable Care Act promotes long-term care. Featuring Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, dedicated to helping seniors receive integrated medical treatment and human services in the setting most appropriate to their needs.

The health care overhaul law passed by Congress in 2010 sets out national goals and requirements. But many of the key decisions implementing the law are left to the states.
In this video, Deborah Chollet of Mathematica Policy Research in Washington, DC, offers an update of how states are responding to the law.
From a Dec. 14, 2011 briefing sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The Aligning Forces for Quality initiative (AF4Q), launched in 2006, is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's core strategy in its longstanding commitment to improve the quality of health care that Americans receive. In this short video, Robert Graham, MD, national director of AF4Q, discusses how the program works to create lasting change through community-level coalitions. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Health care spending will be at the heart of efforts to cut the federal deficit, this fall and well into the future. The best way to reduce unnecessary spending, says Karen Davis, president of The Commonwealth Fund, is making sure everyone gets the right care, using new provider payment mechanisms. In this video, Dr. Davis outlines some of these payment reforms and lays out the case for greater use of comparative effectiveness research to learn what really works. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), the Senate Majority Leader from 2003-2007, reflects on some changes needed in the U.S. health care system, included changes he would like to see in implementing the health care reform law. His insights, as a physician and longtime health policy leader, will interest those across the political spectrum. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a heart and lung transplant surgeon and Senate Majority Leader from 2003 - 2007, explains why it's so important to support primary care - as the health reform law attempts to. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Primary care providers will be under more pressure than ever as baby boomers age and 32 million more Americans gain health insurance. This 3-minute video describes how the Affordable Care Act addresses this problem. Featuring Kevin Grumbach, MD, professor and chair of the Dept. of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The health reform law offers a substantial tax credit to help many small businesses provide health insurance to their employees. Many nonprofit organizations are also eligible, even though they don't pay taxes. In this 4-minute video, Terry Gardiner, a former small business owner in Alaska, now with Small Business Majority of Washington, DC, explains the tax credit. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

People with pre-existing health conditions can now get health insurance at the same price as if they were completely healthy. The health reform law directs that a new high-risk insurance pool be set up in every state, and that has been done. Deborah Chollet of Mathematica Policy Research in Washington, DC explains who is eligible for the new coverage. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The health reform law will expand Medicaid coverage to 16 million Americans, beginning in 2014. This video explains who will be newly eligible for Medicaid, and how the expense for these new Medicaid recipients will be divided between the federal government and state governments. Featuring Diane Rowland, executive vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the health reform law will reduce the federal deficit by $124 billion by 2020. Respected analysts disagree, however. In this five-minute video, economist Joe Antos of the American Enterprise Institute explains why he believes health reform will cost much more than expected. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The new health reform law benefits people on Medicare in a number of ways. This three-minute video explains some of the ways, such as ending out-of-pocket expenses for recommended screenings, checkups and other preventive services. Featuring John Rother, president of the National Coalition on Health Care. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Not sure what's in and what's not in the health reform law signed by President Obama in March 2010? You're not alone, as this 2 1/2 minute video makes clear. Featuring Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The new health reform law offers several benefits for young adults. This three-minute video outlines these benefits, such as allowing young adults to remain on their parents' health plan until they turn 26. Featuring Sara Collins, vice president for the Affordable Health Insurance Program at The Commonwealth Fund. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Toolkit: Emergency Preparedness in the U.S.: The Ebola Threat

Is the U.S. prepared for a potential virulent pandemic? This new Alliance toolkit examines public health infrastructure, funding and policy levers that deal with these kinds of health crises in America.

The Outlook for Health Insurance Subsidies

Telemedicine Toolkit: The Promise and Challenges

The integration of technology and health care is on the rise. Although evidence shows that telemedicine has improved access to health care and resulted in lower costs in rural and underserved areas, challenges to expansion include reimbursement policies and acceptable security measures. A new Alliance for Health Reform Toolkit, “Telemedicine: The Promise and Challenges,” addresses the effectiveness of telemedicine as a tool for communication, as well as the expected outcomes and challenges ahead.

King v. Burwell Toolkit: To Subsidize or Not to Subsidize

A new Alliance for Health Reform toolkit, "To Subsidize or Not to Subsidize: King v. Burwell," will help you prepare for and understand the Supreme Court’s King v. Burwell decision, which could come as early as Friday. A major challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is before the Supreme Court, which is expected to make a decision in the King v. Burwell case by the end of its term in June 2015. The case concerns the legality of health insurance tax credits offered through a federally run health insurance marketplace, as opposed to a marketplace established by an individual state.

Toolkit on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

The aging of the baby boomers and the increase in the number of old-old persons (those 85 and older) are predictors for the increasing need for long-term services and supports (LTSS). Among persons age 65 and over, an estimated 70 percent will use LTSS. A new Alliance for Health Reform toolkit, “Long-Term Services and Supports: Changes and Challenges in Financing and Delivery,” provides a background on LTSS and discusses policy issues surrounding the topic.